Parking plans finalized for Obama visit Monday

June 2, 2010

KALAMAZOO--With White House advance teams now working on campus, plans have been finalized for parking for President Barack Obama's Monday, June 7, visit to the community for Kalamazoo Central High School's commencement.

Obama will speak during a 7 p.m. ceremony in University Arena at Western Michigan University. Doors will open for those holding tickets at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are being distributed by Kalamazoo Public Schools, and no tickets are available for the general public.

Parking lots surrounding WMU's Lawson Arena and Miller Auditorium will be used for event parking, and shuttle transportation to University Arena will be provided to and from those lots. Event parking lots will include Lots No. 33, 34, 35, 63 and 64. Students and employees may continue to use the event parking lots, as usual.

Parking lots closed

Beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, June 7, the following parking lots will be closed, and any cars in these lots will be towed.

Lots No. 13 and 29 near the Student Recreation Center

Lots No. 14, 16, 18 and 94 surrounding University Arena

The top level of Parking Ramp No. 1 (Lot No. 80) near Ellsworth Hall

Those lots will not be available for either WMU employee or student parking throughout the day or for guest parking for the event.

Read Fieldhouse/University Arena and the Student Recreation Center will be closed all day Monday. A small number of classes in those two buildings will be canceled. Students and faculty affected will be contacted by University officials. No other classes or activities at the University have been canceled.

Road closures

Some Monday road closures in the vicinity of University Arena are expected and will be announced when that information is available.

Additional details about logistics for the Obama visit will be announced through WMU News and area media, as they become available.